How to Use Story Poles for Building Block Walls
Building a block wall is hard work requiring laying course after course of blocks until the ultimate height is reached. Building the wall to the proper height requires confirming the height measurement of each course of bricks. Taking these measurements can become tedious and includes a chance for error no matter how carefully you check the tape. A story pole, a wood or metal pole, or board marked with the proper height of each course of blocks, alleviates the need to make individual measurements. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Select a straight board the same length as the intended height of the block wall. A light piece of wood, such as a 1-by-2 or 1-by-4 pine board, is light and easy to handle and will work well for the story pole.
-
2
Measure and mark the planned height of each course of blocks on the story pole. For example, if the block is 10 inches high with a 3/8-inch mortar space, you would mark the story pole every 10 3/8 inches. Mark the story pole with the appropriate number of courses for the planned block walls.
-
-
3
Hold the story pole along side of the block wall as the first block of the course is placed. This establishes that the first block is at the proper height. Use a four-foot level to maintain the proper height as additional blocks are added to the course.
-
4
Double check the height of the blocks with the story pole every few blocks or any time you are suspicious the blocks are off.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Professionals can use the same story pole for multiple projects. Mark the story pole with the size of the blocks and mortar lines for which it is measured and set aside for use anytime a similar project comes up.
Double check the measurements before marking the story pole. A mistake on the story pole can cause an entire basement block wall to be built incorrectly.
